mintphotography.com

As we all know, photography is a very important element of all great weddings. After all, your wedding pictures will be the memories of your union which you will reminisce over at old age and share with your grandchildren someday. You want to make sure you capture the moments that made your day all so special. The recent press release from Tina of Tina Shah Doshi Photography provides great insider information as to what goes into beautiful wedding photography. She explains that, it is not only about choosing the right photographer but the little things the couple should do which are essential to create lasting memories. The Sari-Clad Bride is very excited to share her tips with you! So read on ladies!

· A few months before the wedding, schedule a couple shoot or studio sitting. According to wedding photographer, Tina Shah Doshi, “sessions prior to your wedding are a great way for your photographer to learn your personality and style.” It’s also a great way for you build additional rapport with your photographer, and get more comfortable in front of the camera lens. Most couples really have not worked with a photographer since their school pictures. Not only will a pre-wedding session get you more comfortable, but it will also prepare you for how the photographer will give you direction on your big day.

· Know your style. Tina Shah Doshi knows how to work with all styles including the traditional, candid, and photojournalistic. Let your photographer know in advance if you have a preference towards one or the other. Keep in mind that great wedding pictures are made up of a combination of all styles. Its important to capture those special emotions and glances that no one else may see, but its important to have a selection of formal and group shots as well.

· Plan enough time for group pictures. Your wedding is a special time for all of your friends and family to come together. Many of them have probably traveled quite a bit to be apart of your celebration. It’s important to schedule enough time during the wedding for group pictures. If group pictures are not planned for accordingly, they may delay your actual wedding day itinerary significantly. Plan for at least 5 minutes for each group picture, and be sure to delegate a family member to gather all of the groups. Since your photographer will not who is who, a family member assisting with the group session will make sure the shots go a lot smoother.

· Plan enough time to get ready. When you, your sisters, your mom, and all of your bridesmaids are getting ready in the morning, this can take a significant amount time. A delay with your stylist can set you behind for your entire day. The last thing you want to feel on your wedding day is rushed. Be sure to schedule enough time to get ready. Plan your day with a few time buffers. Therefore, even if you are running late, everything should work out fine. “You may want to also consider having your photographer there while you are getting ready,” recommends photographer Tina Shah Doshi. Getting ready shots are great part of the story telling aspect of your day.

· Include time for just the two of you. Schedule at least 30 minutes with just you and your photographer. You will want to make sure you get those romantic shots that everyone loves. This session should be a closed session in order to truly capture those intimate moments. No other guests or family members of the couple should be present. This will allow you the opportunity to be more relaxed and comfortable with each other. According to Tina Shah Doshi, “I find many times that these are the most favorite pictures chosen by couples. It’s usually after the ceremony, and they can be the most relaxed if they have a few moments to themselves.” Be sure that your photographer can really take advantage of the location of your event.

· Be comfortable. If you know you have a preference for wearing your hair and make-up a certain way, why deviate significantly on your wedding day? The best photographs are when you look natural and comfortable. Be sure your style on wedding day is who you are. When a Bride is uncomfortable, it will show in the pictures. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better your photographs will be.

· Know that nothing goes perfect. “Some of the best photographs I have taken are when the Bride and Groom are smiling and laughing all day,” say Tina Shah Doshi. Don’t let a small mishap with your florist, caterer, DJ, any vendor, or even a guest ruin your special day. “I think because some brides put so much pressure on themselves to make sure every detail is just right, they can get easily disappointed if something goes wrong,” says Tina Shah Doshi. Just know in advance some details may not go exactly as planned, and as long as you set on going with the flow of that day – there is no reason why you shouldn’t be wearing a smile all day long. No matter how artistic a photograph may look through angles, composition, or lighting – a Bride will always look at how she looks in that photograph first. If she is smiling and happy, she is bound to love that photograph that much more.

· Be mindful of how much you drink. Weddings are celebrations. If you want to enjoy a few drinks, just keep in mind your tolerance level. Remember you will be photographed and possibly even videotaped all day. You won’t want to look back at photographs where you appear to have had one too many. Be sure to keep your energy levels up, and have a great time with all your guests. Stay hydrated.

· Be sure your photographer knows your wedding day itinerary in advance. When your photographer knows your itinerary in advance, this will help them to plan better key and creative shots. It will also let them know when they have sufficient time to recharge their equipment if necessary.

· Have a great time. Smile. Nothing is more important than having a great time on your special day. “I tell every one of my couple’s that I am there for them on there special day,” says photographer Tina Shah Doshi. They shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Just be sure to delegate any special tasks, and everything will fall into place. Enjoy your day.

Zoya Couture Invitation Suite

Who are you?
Arti Anand
ZOYA Couture
1-866-611-ZOYA (9692)
zoyacouture.com

What do you do?
Wedding Invitations (Custom Design and Ready to Order), Event Stationery (Place cards, table numbers, Menus, Programs, Signage), Marketing Collateral.

Where are you based?
Washington, DC – but we often work with brides around the nation. Samples are mailed, design and proofs discussed over phone and e-mail, and final orders sent via FedEx.

When and How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?
I grew up around weddings! My parents owned a South Asian wedding decor company and I spent my weekends helping them with the creative design and set-up. I had been doing freelance graphic and web design for several years before I decided to apply it to the wedding invitation industry.

Why do you do what you do?
I love weddings – there’s something magical about them. While South Asian weddings in particular are so glamorous, most couples in the States have a hard time selecting invitations that marry their South Asian heritage with their modern, chic lifestyle. I love working with couples to find their individual styles and translating that to invitations that they have envisioned.

Do you work exclusively on South Asian weddings?
Not exclusively, but a majority of our brides are of South Asian descent.

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides (and families) make?
Playing by the rules. Throw the rule book out! Brides and families begin their discussions with how they’ve seen other people do it, or how things have been done for generations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try things differently. Create a wedding that’s beautiful to you, as its yours to experience and remember.

Do you only cater to certain budgets only?
We try our best to work with all budgets, but find that most of our brides are generally looking for exclusive, luxurious invitations that no one else has seen or done before. From silk folios to engraved coins – our creative brides always find unique ways to make their invitations stand out!

Describe a particularly memorable wedding you’ve worked on.
The invitation suite captured in the attached image (captured by Regetis Photography) is for a South Asian destination wedding in Puerto Rico in early 2010. It has been so much fun working with the extremely creative couple and their wedding planner. They have great style and will be reflecting this design theme throughout their wedding day materials. We’re excited to see how the events come together!

What’s your number one wedding tip?
Enjoy every minute of it. Wedding planning can get stressful – but don’t let little setbacks bring you down. Remember that at the end of the day, the purpose of the day is to be united with the one you love! Best wishes with your wedding planning!

Sweet-scented Sandalwood Fans from Wrap With Us

These beautifully crafted fans are not only soft on the eyes and smell oh so sweet! You can even get them personalized and for only $0.79 a piece at www.wrapwithus.com, you won’t have to rob the bank to give your guests a sweet smelling gift they will treasure forever!

Jeweled Harem Mirrors from Hanson Ellis

I personally love these bejeweled mirrors because of their festive colors and design. They may not be suitable for the male guests at your wedding, but they would make excellent favors for the ladies and can also be used as bridal shower favors. Sold for $3.95 a piece at www.hansonellis.com, these mirrors may be a little pricy for favors but they are just exquisite!

Golden Lac Box from My Wedding Favors

Www.myweddingfavors.com is selling these beautiful golden lac boxes which also double as place card holders! Your guests can use them as decoration for their home or to store small jewelry as well. $19.92 for a set of 4, these favors are under $5 each and totally adorable!

Handcrafted Clay Pots from Dorah

If you want to give your guests something uforgettable, they will surely appreciate these handcrafted clay pots from Malaysia! Dorah sells these fabolous pieces in all shapes and sizes through her website and even personalizes them to your liking. Prices run anywhere between $0.50 to $7 each depending on the size and quantity of your order.

Porcelain Sailboat from Wrap With Us

Last but not least, I recommend these cute porcelain sailboats with daisies that are just the right colors for the South Asian festive weddings. Sold by www.wrapwithus.com for $5.99 each, these sailboats can also be personalized and remind all your guests of your special day in the days to come!

Henna/Mehndi

Henna or mehndi (if you already didn’t know) is a dye used for skin decoration. This is done by applying a paste made from the leaves of a flower plant also known as Henna, Hina, or Mehndi plant. The dye can be bought in a paste or powder form. Although it can be worn for any occasion, it is a century old tradition for the bride-to-be (and sometimes even the bridegroom!) to wear mehndi. For wedding ceremonies, it is usually worn on the hands and feet but sometimes extended over the forearms and legs. Here are a few essential tips that you must consider before putting on your bridal mehndi:

• Try your best to NEVER use black henna/mehndi. Henna/mehndi is usually a shade of green. Black henna/mehndi has a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is harmful when used directly on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. You might react to it your first time or after several uses. It is best to avoid this type of henna/mehndi.
• Thoroughly wash and dry the area where you will apply mehndi, but do not moisturize using lotion or anything else.
• As the mehndi dries within several hours after application, you can wet it a number of ways so that it may release more dye and deepen the color. You can wet it with tea-soaked water. Take a tea bag and soak it in warm water and then squeeze it over your mehndi lightly. You can also put tea tree oil over it using a cotton swab. The best and most employed method is a mixture of sugar and lemon or lime juice gently poured or applied using a cotton swab or brush over your dried mehndi. Alternatively, you or your henna artist may mix the mehndi with the above mentioned items before applying.
• The general rule is that the warmer your skin, the darker the color will be. So if you have cooler skin then you can seal and wrap it to trap your body heat, which in turn will help the mehndi release the dye even more and deepen the color. You can also seal it by applying hair gel. Pump a little hair gel into a bowl and use a cotton swab or small brush to apply the gel over your mehndi work. You can use a liquid bandage instead of hair gel as well. Afterwards, you can use facial tissue or toilet paper to wrap over your mehndi work and then wrap a plastic wrap on top of it to keep it in place and trap your body heat. You can also wear socks or gloves over the tissue instead of using plastic wrap. Sealing and wrapping should be done after your mehndi has dried a little bit so that it doesn’t end up smudging.
• Alternatively, you can also apply light heat over your mehndi work to bring out the color. Use a clothing steamer, a hair dryer at low speed, or keep your designed hands or feet close to a heater, heated pot, or the stove if possible. Be careful not to burn yourself! You don’t need to do this for the whole time that you have your menhdi on – just when you feel it drying up and only to moisten it up a bit. We recommend applying heat every hour for several minutes until you see it softening up. Do not heat it to a point when it may turn liquid and run or smudge.
• You need to leave the mehndi on for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. The longer you keep it on, the darker it will get.
• What we learned from experience is that it is best to use oil to take off your dried mehndi and wait a while before washing with water. Mustard oil is a good option, but other natural oils can be used as well.
• Know that the mehndi color deepens even more within the first 48 hours of application. So even though the color may not be as dark as you would like after you take it off, you will see a darker effect within the next day or two.
• The duration of the mehndi stain on your skin depends on how long you keep it on and how much you wash the stained areas. Usually the deep hue stays 3-4 days and will fade slowly over the next week or two. A good mehndi mix can stay dark up to 7-10 days and fade over a period of four to six weeks after application.

The perfect bridal shower

Although the traditional Mehndi night is more or less the Desi version of a bridal shower, westernized versions of bridal showers have become a popular addition to South Asian-American wedding culture. The Sari-Clad Bride understands the responsibilities that come with planning a bridal shower so here are our guidelines to make your shower-planning a breeze:

At least 6 weeks ahead:

• Consult the bride: Whether you are planning a surprise shower or not, it is necessary and helpful to consult the bride about what kind of event she would like, possible guests, shower registry and date (or dates if it is a surprise!). After all it is her shower and you want to make sure that she is happy with the outcome.

• Consult bridesmaids, family and close friends for help: Even if you want to throw a shower for your bride all by yourself because you love her that much, it is courteous that you ask her friends and family if they would like to help host or be part of it. This also helps to take some of the financial burden off your shoulders.

• Set a guest list, time and date: You must make sure there are no scheduling conflicts with the more important guests such as the bride and groom’s mothers, wedding party, closest family members and friends. Collect contact information for all your guests to send out the invitations.

At least 5 weeks ahead:

• Set a venue and theme: Consult your co-hosts about where to throw the shower and what kind of theme, if any, you should have. You should already have a good idea as to what the bride wants by now. When choosing a venue, keep your guest list in mind. Be considerate towards the size of your venue as well as the location. You want to make sure it is easily accessible by your guests. If you are considering a location which needs reservation, this is the time to do so. Make sure the theme you choose is appropriate for your venue as well. Keep in mind the type of decorations you will need to carry out your theme.

• Choose food and entertainment: Whether you decide to intertwine these with your theme or not, you should decide this by now. When setting a menu, again, keep in mind whether your guests have preferences such as halal or vegetarian food. Figure out if you would like to cook, have a pot-luck or have it catered. Don’t forget the cake! Also decide on the games, activities, music, etc for the shower. For Desi showers, you might have someone sing or dance for the bride, or decide to have a henna artist do henna for the guests. Think about how many games you would want and whether to have prizes for winners. Choose what kind of invitations and party favors you would like for the event.

• Assign duties and budget yourself: This should be done as early as possible. Have all duties divided amongst your co-hosts and/or helpers so that you are not burdened with everything at the last minute. Choose responsible people and learn to have faith! Estimate how much you will spend on the venue, decoration, food, entertainment, and miscellaneous items such as invitations, party favors, utensils, etc.

At least 4 weeks ahead:

• Send out invitations: You need to give sufficient time for your guests to confirm or decline. You should ask for your guests to RSVP as soon as possible or at the latest two weeks before your event.

• Book entertainment: If you plan on having a DJ, a henna artist, or have close friends or family members perform, now is the time to contact them. Discuss what they would like to do and what they might need at the shower.

• Order online: if you are ordering items online, such as party favors or personalized items, decorations, etc, you should give yourself enough time to receive and if necessary, return or exchange your items before your event.

At least 3 weeks ahead:

• Regroup with your co-hosts and helpers: Make sure everyone is on the same page. This is a good time to discuss any changes in plans and timing issues and if duties need to be reassigned.

At least 2 weeks ahead:

• Confirm with your guests: You should always do so before ordering food and/or buying groceries. Find out if additional guests will be joining.

• Place your orders: Start placing orders for cake, catered food and equipment, flowers and rentals for decorations, such as tables and chairs. Don’t forget the bridal chair!

• Go shopping: Start picking up items for your decorations, linens, utensils, party favors, shower gifts, games, and prizes.

At least 1 week ahead:

• Grocery shopping: If you are cooking for your event, this is the time to pick up all necessary items. Don’t forget the drinks!

• Confirm specifics: Make sure your venue reservation is in place. If your guests offered to bring food, contact them as well to make sure they still are. Contact all those who are providing entertainment to confirm date and time. Contact all vendors to confirm orders and deliveries.

• Finishing touches: If you are providing your own music, make the CDs you need, assemble party favors and games if needed, wrap gifts and prizes, create personalized items and decorations.

The day before:

• Prepare in advance: Do all you can do today. This goes for decorations, prep-work for cooking, picking up chairs, tables and rentals, and any other last-minute necessities.

The day of:

• Prepare all food and drinks: Whether you are cooking yourself or having your guests bring items or catering, you should have all your food prepared and ready to be served.

• Run your errands: Pick up anything all necessary items such as the cake, treats, flowers and rental equipment. Don’t’ forget the ice!

• Arrive early: The host and co-hosts should be there to receive guests. That means you should be the first ones there. You should also be there to receive any deliveries to arrive.

• Last -minute details: Don’t forget to take lots of pictures, have a book or poster for your guests to sign and wish the bride well, have a place for all the bride’s gifts and distribute the party favors. Make sure you have a list of the guests and their gifts to the bride so that she can send out thank you notes.

Here are the Sari-Clad Bride’s top shopping destinations in Kolkata;

Park Street courtesy of India Mike

Courtesy of James Nichloas Sears

• Park Street: For major wedding sari shopping for the bride, mother of the bride, sisters, and close family that you need to gift saris, you can rely on Park Street for a one-stop shopping experience.  On the Sari-Clad Bride’s recently Kolkata shopping spree, Park Street was her favorite destination. In two days on Park Street, we bought over 30+ beautiful saris from stores such as Sarovar, Savera, Rangoli,  and several other stores.  Additionally, you will find stores for designers kameezes along Park Street. Just a simple stroll down Park Street will cover all your bases for wedding sari shopping!

• Like The Sari-Clad Bride, we are certain that our readers also love several Indian designers.  When it comes to shopping for Designer Bridal Wear, it is best to visit South City Mall located in Salt Lake, along with The Forum.  You’ll find designer shoes, saris, lehengas, and all wedding essentials from the likes of Ritu Kumar, menswear designer Gatha to name a few.

South City Mall courtesy of Kolkata Mirror

The Forum courtesy of Skyscrapercity

• For Wedding trinkets and bangles and other accessories, The Sari-Clad Bride loves New Market. Here, you will find lots of varieties of wedding accessories at bargain prices!

• Jewelry shopping Kolkata should be an essential aspect of wedding shopping in India and The Sari-Clad brides recommends buying jewelry from B.C. Sen Jewellers (http://www.bcsenjewellers.com/event/index.htm)–if you prefer the sit-down, calm environment or Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons (http://www.bamalwa.com)  if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of jewelry business!  Also, The Sari-Clad bride recommends that you check out Anjali Jewelers!

http://www.thedilrules.com

Sally Shields, Speaker, Radio Personality, and the Author of The Daughter-In-Law Rules, an Amazon #1 best seller provides the The Sari-Clad Bride with the following tips for daughter-in-laws:

So, you’ve just stepped off the bus–do not delay! For the newlywed daughter-in-law, here are five simple techniques that anyone can use to get immediate results towards a peaceful and loving relationship with your husband – and his mother! It is always important to remember one of the greatest spiritual laws of success: the quickest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. Be a loving, kind, generous, openhearted sensitive person and the world will reflect that back to you, even in the form of your Mother-in-law! Let’s begin.

1. Send Your MIL Cards and Flowers on her 3 Special Days

Mark down the three biggies – her b-day, her anniversary (if she has one) and Mother’s Day in your date book. But here’s the secret –– get your husband to pen the card or Mom might get the impression that her son has forgotten her special days (he probably has)! So consider yourself a great ghostwriter and have him sign it from the both of you.

2. Call Your MIL Regularly

This seems like something that would be best left to your sense of spontaneity, but do not take this lightly. Pick a day of the week (such as Sunday) to call your new Mom– preferably when your husband is not around. If you are super busy, you can aim for getting her machine like when you know she’s at Bingo, but leave a message saying that you just called to say hi and to ask how she is feeling!

3. Ask Your MIL for Her Advice – Frequently!

But if you prefer, keep your matters on the inconsequential side such as what color to change the shower curtain to in the guest bathroom. But then actually do it, so that when she comes over, she’ll be proud that you followed through!

4. Tell Your MIL What a Great Job She Did as Mother

This is a proactive strategy that works like a charm. It will most likely bring her to tears and that is great! Just remember that someday you too will perhaps raise a son and can you think of a more wonderful compliment that that? Surely not! So, speaking of compliments …

5. Comp liment Your MIL’s Looks–Often!

Remember, your MIL can be just as self-conscious as you are. So take the time to notice how pretty, thin, healthy and young she looks, occasionally asking her if you can borrow a certain item of clothing, such as a scarf or a purse. She’ll feel just great that you like her style!

There are so many books out there that cover the South Asian diaspora that writers tend to get repetitive with the subject. But, Madras on Rainy Days is an offbeat, more scandalous version of what happens when an 19-year-old  Indian-American girl, Laila, goes back to Hyderabad to get married. What’s so endearing about Samina Ali’s main protagonist, Laila, is that she does not fight her heritage. In fact, in some aspects, she’s more comfortable being Indian than she is being American.

Madras on Rainy Days goes beyond the cliched ABCD vs. FOB struggle, dealing with taboo subjects such as abortion and homosexuality. Laila spends half the year in Hyderabad, India and the other half in Minneapolis. Her parents are strict Muslims and at the age of 19 they arrange her marriage to a young engineer in Hyderabad. Laila is reluctant to get married, not for the usual reasons–not wanting to marry an Indian, not wanting an arranged marriage–but because of of a secret from her past that she carries with her to Hyderabad during her wedding. Laila does everything in her power to make sure the wedding does happen. Ultimately, they do get married and Laila falls into another quandary–this time, it’s her husband that has the secret and it’s a big one.

Apart from the interesting story line and the strength of Laila’s character, I love the rich and velvety descriptions of Laila’s wedding preparations! Samina Ali painstakingly details all the rituals of a Hyderabadi Muslim wedding–from the mehndi to the nikkah to the walima. Each outfit, each event is described so beautifully that I found myself rooting for Laila’s marriage, because what a waste such a lavish wedding would be!

“We were all dressed in yellow. The Hyderabadi Muslim wedding lasts five days, each ceremony bearing its own ritual along with its own color. The first three days are the gold that promises fortune and fertility, the wedding nik’kah is the blood red of union, and the walima dinner that is given only upon a successful coupling is the green of Islam, of submission.

Silver trays were shuffled about and finally settled at my feet. They were loaded down with flowers strung into lush neckalces and bracelets, sweetmeats covered in thin sheets of edible silver, engraved bowls filled with turmeric and rosewater, a short flask of jasmine itar, almond oil, and even this, a bottle of hair removal cream. “

Etsy.com

We love the green, orange and brown color scheme of this save-the-date card! The design is simple, yet elegant enough for a modern South Asian wedding. This Etsy.com seller mentions that the ink and envelope colors are customizable, so if you have a different theme in mind, it’s entirely doable.  A cute option for a mehndi, gayer holud or bridal shower. Click here to see the listing.

Price: $33 for a set of 25